Mission accomplished: Office clutter eliminated

A few weeks ago I mentioned that access to my office was becoming somewhat difficult. With it came numerous calls by perfect strangers inquiring about items I may wish to part with.

That said, my office has now become passable. It has more room in case of an emergency. Now I can find at least one of the three exits. Secondly, my wife will be less likely to close the door when visitors arrive.

By investing slightly more than 15 hours of time, I have dramatically uncluttered my office, made a few dollars, met new people and I seem to have made several local outdoor enthusiasts entirely too happy. My amateur excursion into the land of better organizing has made me realize the importance of my free time as well as those valuable assets which I once so fondly called mine.

SMALL-GAME HUNTING

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There are many opportunities for low-caliber shoots in South Carolina, with 281,000 acres of wildlife management areas (WMA) located in the counties of Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester. Private land seasons and bag limit restrictions apply to many WMAs, therefore it is important to reference the 2011-2012 Rules and Regulations booklet for specific information and dates prior to your venture. Information can be found online at www.dnr.sc.gov/mlands/lookup.

SAFE BOATING

The Beaufort Sail & Power Squadron will offer an eight-week public safe boating course beginning Jan. 17 and running through March 13. Classes will be held from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Port Royal Town Hall, 700 Paris Ave.

Cost is $75 per person or $115 for two family members (minimum age 13). The first class begins at 5 p.m. Class is limited to 40 people.

The 2012 Beaufort Year Round Fishing Tournament has begun. The various categories for more than 20 species of fish are as follows: Male Angler, Female Angler, Youth Angler (17 and under) and 10x10 (ages 10 and under.) All species must be caught while fishing in a boat and must be weighed at Port Royal Landing Marina. They can be transported by boat or vehicle. The tournament committee will follow the guidelines specified by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and SC Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations.

Brochures outlining the tournament can be found at most area fishing outlets. For more information, call Capt. Frank Gibson at 843-522-2020 or the Port Royal Landing Marina at 843-525-6664.

FISHERIES LEGISLATION

Support is surging for legislation to ensure the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration uses sound science to set limits for fisheries, as a Senate version of the Fishery Science Improvement Act was introduced by Sens. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

"Fishery management decisions should be based on sound science," Sen. Nelson said. "This legislation will ensure that science is a priority."

"It's a simple formula," said Sen. Rubio. "Regulatory decisions, if necessary, should always be based on sound science. This legislation provides a simple answer to fishermen and to fishery managers."

"Conservation of our marine resources is important to anglers, so much so that we demand a level of confidence and trust in the federal fisheries management system," said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Coastal Conservation. "The Nelson/Rubio Bill strengthens the ties between science and the rational management of our resources. The ultimate goal of this bill is to achieve sound management practices that make economic sense for the country, conservation sense for the resource and common sense for anglers."

For more information, contact Angers at (225) 382-3755.

MEETINGS

The Hilton Head Island Sport Fishing Club's monthly meeting will be Tuesday at the Yacht Club of HHI at Palmetto Bay Marina. The guest speaker will be Capt. Fuzzy Davis, who will reveal his secrets for winter redfish and sea trout. A shrimp dinner will be served as well as a cash bar. Guests are welcome, and reservations are not necessary. For information, call 843-785-4106 or email daveh@hargray.com.

Sea Island Fly Fishers will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bay Street Outfitters in Beaufort. An election of club officers and a few fishing reports will be presented. The program will feature a video of unusual fishing venues from "Off the Grid." Members and non-members are welcome, especially anyone interested in fly fishing. Call Jack Baggette at 843-522-8911 for more information.

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club's January meeting will be held Thursday at the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club. An oyster roast will be held and certificates will be presented to the winners of the Year Round Fishing Tournament. The club requests interested individuals purchase and/or reserve tickets. The oyster roast also will include different varieties of chili and hot dogs. The awards ceremony will begin around 7:30 p.m. For ticket information, call Capt. Bo Von Harten at 843-812-1722.